{
  "id": 19679084,
  "title": "Anwar: 'You don't condemn those who \"sakau\", yet still kiss their hands'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/anwar-you-dont-condemn-those-who-sakau-yet-still-kiss-their-hands",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T16:22:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1576452/anwar-you-dont-condemn-those-who-sakau-yet-still-kiss-their-hands"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Alor Gajah: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed confusion over why some continued to defend leaders accused of misusing public funds, even as the government bore the costs of their financial misconduct. He emphasized that corruption and abuse of power should not be tolerated simply because of a leader's political influence or race. During a Pesta Melaka, Rumah Kita programme at Taman Melaka Perdana, Anwar questioned the public's behavior, noting, \"You don't get angry with those who sakau? You even kiss their hands and accept their donations.\" As finance minister, he highlighted the government's financial obligations, including RM1 billion annually to settle Felda's debts, RM2 billion to RM3 billion for 1MDB's debts, and yet another RM1 billion for Tabung Haji. Anwar stressed the importance of leaders prioritizing the nation's welfare over personal enrichment, regardless of their position, race, or political connections.",
  "summary": "ALOR GAJAH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today questioned why some people continued to defend and honour leaders accused of plundering public funds, even as the government bore the cost of their past financial mismanagement.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}